Accelerated Addictions Counseling and Treatment - Career Certificate

Get paid to help others

Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Spend your career being the go-to person for those in need. Plus, you can earn your credential without breaking the bank. Dive into human services, addiction, counseling and treatment programs, and you might even have your tuition, fees and books covered with a scholarship. It's easy to apply online.

Become a CLC student then apply for the scholarship!
Need more information? Email Martha Arias at marias@clcillinois.edu or call (847) 543-2746.

Excel at changing lives

Are you ready to step into a role in an agency or program specialized in helping people? Get on the accelerated track with this certificate!

This program is for you if you have completed—or are currently enrolled in—a master’s degree from an accredited clinical graduate program in:

social work
counseling
clinical psychology

human services
other clinical mental health fields

Look forward to finding work in hospitals and nursing homes, institutions for people with developmental disabilities and addiction and substance use disorder centers.

What can you do with an Accelerated Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Treatment?

An accelerated certificate prepares you for a professional role in human services. You also qualify for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling (C.A.D.C.) exam to become an Illinois Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor and will not need other work experience.

Admission: More needed

To get started, you must have completed or be in the second year of a clinical master’s program. We require:

a transcript from an accredited clinical graduate program
a screening form (PDF)

You should have no history of alcohol or other substance use or addictive disorders. Or you should be in recovery without recurrence and out of treatment with no criminal justice involvement for at least 18 months.

CLC alumnus Andrea Anderson talks about her academic journey and her career as a licensed mental health therapist and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (C.A.D.C.):

Watch video on YouTube

Highlights

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

This program is commended for excellence in the preparation of the 21st-century addictions professional workforce.
100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.

Career Outlook

Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $37,305
  
  Median
  
  $56,078
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $97,691
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.93
  
  Median
  
  $26.95
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $46.97
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  18.78%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  81.22%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,469
  
  Median
  
  $61,473
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $109,392
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.45
  
  Median
  
  $29.55
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.59
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  5.58%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.43%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  24.6%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  64.39%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $35,354
  
  Median
  
  $43,991
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59,968
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.99
  
  Median
  
  $21.14
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $28.83
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  10.41%
  
  Some college
  
  16.21%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.99%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40.46%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  11.16%
  
  Doctorate
  
  3.77%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $40,469
  
  Median
  
  $61,473
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $109,392
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.45
  
  Median
  
  $29.55
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.59
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  23.66%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.66%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  3.07%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  49.61%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
HUS 140	HUS 140 Drugs and Society Class Description This course provides the student with an historical background of drugs of abuse and their impact on individuals and society. Topics addressed include an in-depth study of specific licit and illicit drugs and the pharmacological and behavioral effects within the major classifications of substances. Additional topics include laws and regulations, individual and societal problems, prevention strategies, and trends and statistics.	3
HUS 151	HUS 151 Addiction Counseling and Treatment I Class Description This course will provide an overview of addiction, including the addiction process, addictive disorders, treatment and recovery, relapse, self-help groups, and milieu management. Students will study theories of addiction, and gain an understanding of addiction as a brain disease and how drugs affect the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the person. Societal and cultural views of addiction will be discussed. In addition, this course will focus on assessment and treatment of families where one or more members have an addictive disorder. Topics in this area include codependency, survival strategies of family members, and family interaction patterns and communication processes. Intervention techniques will also be covered.	3
HUS 156	HUS 156 Pharm & Disease in Substance Use Class Description This course provides an exploration of the psychotropic medications and diseases that impact many persons with substance use disorders. Students will become familiar with neurobiological processes, including neurotransmission, the various elements of the nervous system, and the effects, mechanisms, and actions of classes of psychotropic drugs. They will study the terms and abbreviations used in the medical and psychotherapy profession. Students will explore the biological, social and psychological aspects of communicable diseases and their relationship with substance use disorders. Specific topics include epidemiology, disease progression and treatment of HIV, STDs and hepatitis. Risk assessment, risk reduction, psychological interventions, medical management and legal issues are included.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 140
Course Title	HUS 140 Drugs and Society Class Description This course provides the student with an historical background of drugs of abuse and their impact on individuals and society. Topics addressed include an in-depth study of specific licit and illicit drugs and the pharmacological and behavioral effects within the major classifications of substances. Additional topics include laws and regulations, individual and societal problems, prevention strategies, and trends and statistics.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 151
Course Title	HUS 151 Addiction Counseling and Treatment I Class Description This course will provide an overview of addiction, including the addiction process, addictive disorders, treatment and recovery, relapse, self-help groups, and milieu management. Students will study theories of addiction, and gain an understanding of addiction as a brain disease and how drugs affect the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the person. Societal and cultural views of addiction will be discussed. In addition, this course will focus on assessment and treatment of families where one or more members have an addictive disorder. Topics in this area include codependency, survival strategies of family members, and family interaction patterns and communication processes. Intervention techniques will also be covered.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 156
Course Title	HUS 156 Pharm & Disease in Substance Use Class Description This course provides an exploration of the psychotropic medications and diseases that impact many persons with substance use disorders. Students will become familiar with neurobiological processes, including neurotransmission, the various elements of the nervous system, and the effects, mechanisms, and actions of classes of psychotropic drugs. They will study the terms and abbreviations used in the medical and psychotherapy profession. Students will explore the biological, social and psychological aspects of communicable diseases and their relationship with substance use disorders. Specific topics include epidemiology, disease progression and treatment of HIV, STDs and hepatitis. Risk assessment, risk reduction, psychological interventions, medical management and legal issues are included.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HUS 251	HUS 251 Addiction Counseling and Treatment II Class Description This course will provide an overview of the treatment process from evaluation and intake through discharge, with an emphasis placed on interviewing skills, record keeping and documentation. Specific topics include screening, assessment, diagnosis, intake, treatment planning, case management, co-occurring disorders, discharge planning, and referral. The course encompasses a study of screening and assessment procedures used to gather information during the client intake process that form the basis for a multivariate diagnosis of addictive disorders as described in the current edition of the DSM. Screening and assessment instruments will be utilized with the Bio/Psycho/Social evaluation to formulate and support a Diagnostic Summary. The current ASAM Patient Placement Criteria will be utilized to match the client with the appropriate level of care and appropriate differential treatment plan.	4
HUS 253	HUS 253 Advanced Addictions Counseling Skills Class Description This course is a study of the major theoretical approaches used in counseling alcoholism, substance abuse, and addictive disorders. Theories and principles of both group work and individual counseling in a variety of human service settings are explored. Students are expected to participate as both clients and counselors in role plays to apply this knowledge. Client problems that often coincide with addictive disorders will be addressed.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 251
Course Title	HUS 251 Addiction Counseling and Treatment II Class Description This course will provide an overview of the treatment process from evaluation and intake through discharge, with an emphasis placed on interviewing skills, record keeping and documentation. Specific topics include screening, assessment, diagnosis, intake, treatment planning, case management, co-occurring disorders, discharge planning, and referral. The course encompasses a study of screening and assessment procedures used to gather information during the client intake process that form the basis for a multivariate diagnosis of addictive disorders as described in the current edition of the DSM. Screening and assessment instruments will be utilized with the Bio/Psycho/Social evaluation to formulate and support a Diagnostic Summary. The current ASAM Patient Placement Criteria will be utilized to match the client with the appropriate level of care and appropriate differential treatment plan.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 253
Course Title	HUS 253 Advanced Addictions Counseling Skills Class Description This course is a study of the major theoretical approaches used in counseling alcoholism, substance abuse, and addictive disorders. Theories and principles of both group work and individual counseling in a variety of human service settings are explored. Students are expected to participate as both clients and counselors in role plays to apply this knowledge. Client problems that often coincide with addictive disorders will be addressed.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HUS 275	HUS 275 Addiction Counseling Practicum I Class Description This course is an on-site, unpaid supervised practicum experience working directly with clients, family members, and groups in community treatment centers for substance use disorders and addictions. Experiences may include in-patient, out-patient and intensive out-patient models.To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours of practicum and coursework. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 practicum hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.	4
HUS 278	HUS 278 Addiction Counselor Capstone Class Description This course provides a review of the requirements for certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) through ICB/IAODAPCA. Students will be familiarized with the certification process, increase their knowledge and skills as addiction counselors, and review for the written examination. Test-taking strategies, examination references, anxiety and stress reduction tactics, and other approaches for increasing test-taking confidence will be covered. This course is designed for the new counselor entering the field, students completing an ICB Accredited Training Program, and counselors interested in refreshing their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 275
Course Title	HUS 275 Addiction Counseling Practicum I Class Description This course is an on-site, unpaid supervised practicum experience working directly with clients, family members, and groups in community treatment centers for substance use disorders and addictions. Experiences may include in-patient, out-patient and intensive out-patient models.To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours of practicum and coursework. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 practicum hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 278
Course Title	HUS 278 Addiction Counselor Capstone Class Description This course provides a review of the requirements for certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) through ICB/IAODAPCA. Students will be familiarized with the certification process, increase their knowledge and skills as addiction counselors, and review for the written examination. Test-taking strategies, examination references, anxiety and stress reduction tactics, and other approaches for increasing test-taking confidence will be covered. This course is designed for the new counselor entering the field, students completing an ICB Accredited Training Program, and counselors interested in refreshing their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Credits	1

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HUS 276	HUS 276 Addiction Counseling Practicum II Class Description This course is a continuation of Addiction Counseling Practicum I, HUS 275. When appropriate, Practicum II will be performed in a different setting than Practicum I. The student will be expected to initiate a leadership role in therapeutic intervention with clients at a higher skill level than in Practicum I. To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours of practicum and coursework. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 practicum hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUS 276
Course Title	HUS 276 Addiction Counseling Practicum II Class Description This course is a continuation of Addiction Counseling Practicum I, HUS 275. When appropriate, Practicum II will be performed in a different setting than Practicum I. The student will be expected to initiate a leadership role in therapeutic intervention with clients at a higher skill level than in Practicum I. To apply this course toward a certificate or degree, the student must complete a total of 300 hours of practicum and coursework. This is a variable credit course (1-4 credits), with 75 practicum hours required per credit. This course is repeatable for a maximum of four (4) credits or 300 practicum hours.
Credits	1

Total Credit Hours

24

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Human Services at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This certificate is just one possible way to study human services. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Human Services Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

You learn how to assess and diagnose substance use disorders. You gain treatment skills, including individual, group and family counseling techniques. You graduate able to build treatment plans, document clinical findings and navigate the ethics of counseling.
Employers who offer these types of jobs in Lake County include:
- Gateway Foundation*
- Lake County Health Department*
- Monarch
- Nicasa
- Northern Illinois Recovery Addiction Treatment Center
*These employers are likely to provide tuition reimbursement.
Our student profile is varied. Given the admission requirements, many of our students are older than the average CLC student. Most are in their 30s or 40s, with some younger and older. Your empathy and listening skills are your most important characteristics.
Some of the skills you need to be successful in this program are:
- strong oral and written communication skills
- open-mindedness
- empathy
- flexibility
- alliance-building
- active listening
- non-judgmental stance
- good emotional health
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work in addiction counseling and treatment in the state of Illinois.

You may be able to work elsewhere with this certificate.

View professional licensure disclosures

Andrea Anderson
Graduate
“This particular program at CLC for the C.A.D.C. is more advanced than my master's degree program was. It is the one that teaches you the most.”
Andrea studied Addiction Counseling and Treatment in the Human Services program at CLC. She is a licensed mental health therapist with a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling (C.A.D.C.) designation.
Watch Andrea's story

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Accelerated Addictions Counseling and Treatment Certificate

Get paid to help others

Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Excel at changing lives

What can you do with an Accelerated Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Treatment?

Admission: More needed

Highlights

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

100% Online

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1.5 Years

Career Outlook

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Mental Health Counselors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Social and Human Service Assistants

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 11 Credits

Semester 2 7 Credits

Semester 3 5 Credits

Semester 4 1 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Human Services at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

What skills will I learn in this program?

Where will I find these types of jobs in Lake County?

Are there students like me in this program?

What are some skills I need to be successful in this program?

Where can I work in addiction counseling and treatment?

Andrea Anderson

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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